Manchester United star Kobbie Mainoo 'will be crucial for England this year', says Joe Cole

Joe Cole feels Manchester United youngster Kobbie Mainoo could have a crucial role to play for England this summer, while Rio Ferdinand believes the teenager has the quality to operate in any position in the midfield.

Mainoo made his Premier League debut for The Red Devils in November, and has taken the leap to the highest level in the country in his stride.

The 18-year-old is now a key figure for United boss Erik ten Hag, and made his England debut against Brazil last month.

Cole has been impressed with how Mainoo has adapted to any role asked of him by club and country.

“I love this kid,” Cole said on TNT Sports. “We studied him in the England game he played.

“I have seen him come in and plug holes and be very good off the ball and handle the ball well. But what I thought he did really well was he was popping up in the No. 10, receiving it in tight areas and he was strong.”

Mainoo has won many admirers for the maturity he shows on the pitch.

Cole continued: “He is making decisions that are way beyond his years, in the sense that an 18-year-old - I think of myself at 18 playing central midfield - I was nowhere near this kid in terms of decision making and what to do with the ball and when to do it.”

Former England international Cole feels Mainoo will soon add goals to his game.

“I think there is more to come from him,” Cole said. “In the way we are starting to see your Rodris score goals, Declan Rive scoring goals, I think he will play further up the field and I think he will be crucial for England this year.

“He is crucial to this Manchester United team. He is one of the go-to guys in this team, an outstanding talent.”

Ferdinand was alongside Cole at Stamford Bridge for Chelsea’s clash with United, and he feels Mainoo’s versatility is a potent weapon.

“He is equally as good in the three positions in midfield,” Ferdinand said. “He can be the No. 6, receiving and dictating off the back four, the back three, he can morph into the No. 8 and the No. 10.

“He is so comfortable in all of those areas and phases of the game.

“Every level he has performed he has jumped, his performances have transferred. It is unbelievable.”

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